LACROSSE POCKET PROTECTOR

Abstract

A lacrosse pocket protector is provided. The lacrosse pocket protector includes a body portion formed of semi flexible material. Further, the lacrosse pocket protector includes a first connector for coupling around a throat of a head of a lacrosse stick; a second connector for coupling to a top portion of the head of the lacrosse stick; and a third connector for coupling around side walls of the head of the lacrosse stick. The body portion is placed in a curved position in response to coupling the first connector and the second connector to the head of the lacrosse stick. Additionally, the lacrosse pocket protector is moveable between an engaged and a disengaged position. In the disengaged position, the lacrosse pocket protector may be coupled to the head of the lacrosse stick. In the engaged position, the lacrosse pocket protector may be secured around the head of the lacrosse stick.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[S]

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled “LACROSSE POCKET PROTECTOR,” Ser. No. 61/840 131, filed Jun. 27, 2013, now pending, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated entirely herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

This invention relates generally to a protector for a lacrosse pocket. More specifically, this invention relates to a lacrosse pocket protector that is removably securable to a head of a lacrosse stick to protect damage to a pocket during storage and transport of the lacrosse stick.

2. State of the Art

The game of lacrosse is played with a stick having a handle, a head and mesh laced into the head. This lacrosse stick is also referred to as a crosse. One of the key features of the lacrosse stick is a pocket that is formed into the mesh laced into the head. The pocket is utilized to catch, hold and throw a ball during game play. Accordingly, lacrosse athletes have various preferences on the depth, shape and condition of the pocket. Once the pocket is formed, there is no viable form of protecting the pocket during storage or transportation of the lacrosse stick.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a lacrosse pocket protector for protecting a pocket formed in a head of a lacrosse stick from damage and crushing during storage and transport of the lacrosse stick.

According to embodiments, a lacrosse pocket protector comprises a body portion formed of semi flexible material. Further, it includes a first connector for coupling around a throat of a head of a lacrosse stick; a second connector for coupling to a top portion of the head of the lacrosse stick; and a third connector for coupling around side walls of the head of the lacrosse stick. The body portion is placed in a curved position in response to coupling the first connector and the second connector to the head of the lacrosse stick.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the particular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the Figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar items throughout the Figures, the Figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a lacrosse pocket protector with head connection device and neck connection device each in an engaged position;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a clip member of a lacrosse pocket protector;

FIG. 3 is front view of a neck connection device in a disengaged position;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a lacrosse pocket protector with head connection device and neck connection device each in a disengaged position;

FIG. 5 is back view of a lacrosse pocket protector with head connection device and neck connection device each in a disengaged position, the lacrosse pocket protector adjacent a lacrosse stick;

FIG. 6 is a back view of a lacrosse pocket protector coupled to a lacrosse stick;

FIG. 7 is front view of a lacrosse pocket protector coupled to a lacrosse stick;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a lacrosse pocket protector coupled to a lacrosse stick;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a lacrosse pocket protector coupled o a lacrosse stick; and

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a method of using a lacrosse pocket protector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a lacrosse pocket protector for protecting a pocket formed in a head of a lacrosse stick from damage and crushing during storage and transport of the lacrosse stick. The protection and maintenance of the shape of the pocket is easily achieved with an embodiment of the invention in place. The ability to put the stick and pocket in a lacrosse bag, in the back seat or car trunk, loose can be achieved without damage to the integrity of the pocket. Furthermore the protector is adjustable to maintain the integrity of most or all lacrosse heads, short and long stick.

Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1-4 depicts an embodiment of a lacrosse pocket protector 10 that is utilized to create a protective shell directly over but not in contact with a “legal” pocket. Generally, a lacrosse pocket protector 10 includes a body portion 12, a first connector 16 and a second connector 18, Some embodiments also include a third connector 14. The body portion 12 is a semi flexible member, wherein the body portion 12 can bend a certain amount along a length of the body portion 12. The connectors 16, 18 and 14 are each repeatably releasable connectors that are utilized to attach the lacrosse pocket protector to the head of a lacrosse stick.

The first connector 16, according to some embodiments, may be a strap. For example, first connector 16 may include a strap 30 having a first side 32 and a second side 34. The first side 32 may be repeatably and releasably coupled to the second side 34 through first and second connecting members respectively, such as, but not limited to, a hook and loop fastener. Accordingly, the first and second sides 32 and 34 of the strap 30 with their respective first and second connecting members may be used to connect the strap 30 as the strap 30 is wrapped around the throat of the lacrosse head forming the first connector 16 around a throat of the head. In some embodiments, the first connector 16 includes a padded substrate connected to the strap, wherein the padded substrate of the strap protects from damage to the throat of the head to which it connects.

The second connector 18, in some embodiments is a clip device. The clip device may include a hook member 20 and a tongue member 22, wherein the clip device 18 is configured to hook around the scoop portion of the lacrosse head. The scoop portion of the head is the casing on the top center front. The hook member 30 of the clip 18 couples over the scoop or casing on the top center front, he tongue member 22 flexes to go under and behind the same piece to engage the hook member, forming a locking clip that is impact resistant. This clip 18, unique to itself, allows flexibility and has “give” or a range of movement when impacted to protect the head.

The third connector 14, according to some embodiments, may be a strap with a connecting device. For example, third connector 14 may include a strap having a first portion 40 and a second portion 42. A first connecting member 46 is coupled to an end of the first portion 40 and a second connecting member 48 is coupled to an end of the second portion 42. The first connecting member 46 is repeatably and releasably connected to the second connecting member 48, such as, but not limited to, a hook and loop fastener, a snap, a button, a buckle and the like. Accordingly, the connecting members 46 and 48 may be used to connect the strap forming the third connector 14 around a sidewall portion of the head. In some embodiments, the third connector 14 includes a padded substrate connected to the strap, wherein the padded substrate of the strap protects damage to the head to which it connects.

Connecting the first connector 16 and the second member 18 to the lacrosse head results in the body portion being flexed or bent into a curved position. When the first and second connectors 16 and 18 are in place, the lacrosse pocket protector gives the entire web portion of the head a protective shell protecting the integrity and retaining its shape.

In embodiments with a third connector 14, the third connector 14 provides additional support in the protection of the integrity and shape of the head. Engaging the third connector 14 allows any contact from the underside of the casing to push upward away from the pocket, further retaining the pocket shape. The third connector 14 also supports impact from the top absorbing and reacting in the opposite direction to weight or impact.

As can be seen specifically in FIGS. 1 and 4, the lacrosse pocket protector 10 is moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. FIG. 1 shows the lacrosse pocket protector 10 in an engaged position, wherein the first connector 16 is engaged and the third connector 14 is engaged, with second connector 18 ready for engagement with a head of a lacrosse stick. FIG. 4 shows the lacrosse pocket protector 10 in the disengaged position, wherein the first connector 16 is disengaged and the third connector 14 is disengaged. Further, second connector 18 is not coupled to a head of a lacrosse stick.

Referring again to the drawings, FIGS. 5-9 depict the use of a lacrosse pocket protector 10 with a lacrosse stick 60. The lacrosse stick 60 includes a head 62 having a mesh coupled within the head 62 to form a pocket 64. The head 62 includes a throat 68, wherein the throat 68 is configured to couple to a shaft 66. The lacrosse pocket protector 10 is placed in the disengaged position, with the first and third connectors 16 and 14 in a disengaged position. The second connector 18 is then coupled to the scoop of the head 62 with a front surface 50 of the body portion 12 (See FIG. 1) facing the back side of the pocket 64. The first connector 16 may then be coupled around the throat 68 of the head 62. Securing the first connector 16 places the body portion 12 of the lacrosse pocket protector in an arced shaped, wherein the body portion bends at an arc from the top of the head 62 to the bottom, thereby forming a protection covering the pocket 64. Third connector 14 may then be secured around the sidewalk of the head 62. At this point, the lacrosse pocket protector 10 is in the engaged position coupled to the head 62 of the lacrosse stick 60. Once the lacrosse pocket protector 10 is secured in place, the lacrosse stick 60 may be transported easily without damaging the pocket 64.

In order to remove the lacrosse pocket protector 10, the first connector and third connector 16 and 14 are moved into a disengaged position. The second connector 18 is removed from being connected to the scoop portion of the head 62, wherein the tongue member 22 can be depressed and the hook member 20 slid off of the head 62.

As shown in FIG. 10, another embodiment of the present invention may include a method 80 of sing a lacrosse pocket protector. The method 80 may include placing a first and third connector of a lacrosse pocket protector each in a disengaged position (Step 81); coupling a second connector of the lacrosse pocket protector to a top portion of a lacrosse head (Step 82); coupling the first connector to a throat of the lacrosse head (Step 83); coupling the third connector to the lacrosse head (Step 84); and protecting the lacrosse pocket from damage (Step 85).

Further, Step 82 of coupling the second connector to the top portion of the lacrosse head may comprise clipping the second connector around a casing on a op center of the lacrosse head. Step 83 of coupling the first connector to the throat of the lacrosse head comprises placing the first connector in an engaged position around a throat of the head. Step 84 of coupling the third connector to the lacrosse head may also comprise placing the third connector in an engaged position around side walls of the lacrosse head.

Method 80 may also include placing a body portion of the lacrosse pocket protector in a curved position in response to coupling the first connector and the second connector to the lacrosse head.

Accordingly, the components defining any lacrosse pocket protector may be formed of any of many different types of materials or combinations thereof that can readily be formed into shaped objects provided that the components selected are consistent with the intended operation of a lacrosse pocket protector. For example, components may be formed of: rubbers (synthetic and/or natural) and/or other like materials; glasses (such as fiberglass) carbon-fiber, aramid-fiber, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; polymers such as thermoplastics (such as ABS, Fluoropolymers, Polyacetal, Polyamide; Polycarbonate, Polyethylene, Polysulfone, and/or the like), thermosets (such as Epoxy, Phenolic Resin, Polyimide, Polyurethane, Silicone, and/or the like), any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; composites and/or other like materials; metals, such as zinc, magnesium, titanium, copper, iron, steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, tool steel, stainless steel, aluminum, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; alloys, such as aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, magnesium alloy, copper alloy, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; any other suitable material; and/or any combination thereof

Furthermore, the components defining any lacrosse pocket protector may be purchased pre-manufactured or manufactured separately and then assembled together. However, any or all of the components may be manufactured simultaneously and integrally joined with one another. Manufacture of these components separately or simultaneously may involve extrusion, pultrusion, vacuum forming, injection molding, blow molding, resin transfer molding, casting, forging, cold rolling, milling, reaming, turning, grinding, stamping, cutting, bending, welding, soldering, hardening, riveting, punching, plating, and/or the like. If any of the components are manufactured separately, they may then be coupled with one another in any manner, such as with adhesive, a weld, a fastener (e.g. a bolt, a nut, a screw, a nail, a rivet, a pin, and/or the like), wiring, any combination thereof, and/or the like for example, depending on, among other considerations, the particular material forming the components. Other possible steps might include sand blasting, polishing, powder coating, zinc plating, anodizing, hard anodizing, and/or painting the components for example.

The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented in order to best explain the present invention and its practical application and to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the foregoing description and examples have been presented for the purposes of illustration and example only. The description as set forth is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teachings above without departing from the spirit and scope of the forthcoming claims.

Claims

1. A lacrosse pocket protector comprising:

a body portion formed of semi-flexible material;

a first connector for coupling to a throat of a head of a lacrosse stick;

a second connector for coupling to a top portion of the head of the lacrosse stick; and

a third connector for coupling around side wails of the head of the lacrosse stick, wherein the body portion is placed in a curved position in response to coupling the first connector and the second connector to the head of the lacrosse stick.

2. The protector of claim 1, wherein the first connector comprises a strap having a first side and a second side for coupling around the throat of the lacrosse head.

3. The protector of claim 2, wherein the strap comprises a first connecting member coupled to the first side of the strap, and a second connecting member coupled to the second side of the strap.

4. The protector of claim 3, wherein the first connecting member is a repeatably and releasably coupled to the second connecting member as the strap is wrapped around the throat of the lacrosse head.

5. The protector of claim 1, wherein the first connector comprises a padded substrate for reducing damage to the throat of the lacrosse head.

6. The protector of claim 1, wherein the second connector comprises a clip device.

7. The protector of claim 6, wherein the clip device comprises a hook member and a flexible tongue member.

8. The protector of claim 7, wherein the hook member couples over a casing on a top center from the lacrosse head and the tongue member is positioned under and behind the casing on the top center to engage the hook member.

9. The protector of claim 1, wherein the third connector comprises a strap having a first portion and a second portion for coupling around the side walls of the lacrosse head.

10. The protector of claim 9, wherein the strap comprises a first connecting member coupled to an end of the first portion of the strap, and a second connecting member coupled to an end of the second portion of the strap.

11. The protector of claim 10, wherein the first connecting member is a repeatably and releasably coupled to the second connecting member.

12. The protector of claim 1, wherein the third connector comprises a padded substrate for reducing damage to the lacrosse head.

13. A method of using a lacrosse pocket protector, the method comprising:

placing a first and third connector of a lacrosse pocket protector each in a disengaged position;

coupling a second connector of the lacrosse pocket protector to a top portion of a lacrosse head;

coupling the first connector to a throat of the lacrosse head;

coupling the third connector to the lacrosse head; and

protecting the lacrosse pocket from damage.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein coupling the second connector to the top portion of the lacrosse head comprises clipping the second connector around a casing on a top center of the lacrosse head.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein coupling the first connector to the throat of the lacrosse head comprises placing the first connector in an engaged position around a throat of the head.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein coupling the third connector to the lacrosse head comprises placing the third connector in an engaged position around side walls of the lacrosse head.

17. The method of claim 13, further comprising placing a body portion of the lacrosse pocket protector in a curved position in response to coupling the first connector and the second connector to the lacrosse head.

18. A lacrosse pocket protector comprising:

a body portion formed of semi-flexible material;

a first connector a strap having a first side and a second side for coupling around the throat of a lacrosse head, wherein the strap comprises: a first connecting member coupled to the first side of the strap; and a second connecting member coupled to the second side of the strap, wherein the first connecting member is a repeatably and releasably coupled to the second connecting member as the strap is wrapped around the throat of the lacrosse head;

a second connector comprising a clip device, wherein the clip device comprises: a hook member and a flexible tongue member, wherein the hook member couples over a casing on a top center from the lacrosse head and the tongue member is positioned under and behind the casing on the top center of the lacrosse head to engage the hook member; and

a third connector comprising a strap having a first portion and a second portion for coupling around side walls of the lacrosse head, wherein the strap comprises: a first connecting member coupled to an end of the first portion of the strap; and a second connecting member coupled to an end of the second portion of the strap, wherein the first connecting member is a repeatably and releasably coupled to the second connecting member,

wherein the body portion is placed in a curved position in response to coupling the first connector and the second connector to the head of the lacrosse stick.

19. The protector of claim 18, wherein the first connector comprises a padded substrate for educing damage to the throat of the lacrosse head.

20. The protector of claim 18, wherein the third connector comprises a padded substrate for reducing damage to the lacrosse head.